Morrison Family

  I was inside Dawson's car, driving me to the pastry academy. There's a deafening silence inside the car that I want to break—big time. I spun to him to get his attention.

"Dawson..."

He glances at me before looking back at the road. "Yes, Miss?"

"Did Popsi already tell you about my..." I licked my bottom lip. "Suitor?"

"He already told me."

"What's your reaction to it?"

"Labas ako sa kung anong nangyayari sa buhay pag-ibig mo, Miss Rara. I am here to protect you, not to investigate you," he answered.

Humaba ang nguso ko, "I know. I just want to inform you kasi baka isipin mo kung saan-saan ako nagsusuot kung hindi ako magpapasundo sa 'yo,"

I heard him sigh. "Just inform me who's with you, so I won't be worried. Para alam ko rin ang sasabihin kay chief general."

I nodded, "I will! Anyway, you don't have to sundo me later. My suitor will pick me up after school. We're going to visit Momsi..."

"Sige. I'll tell that to your dad."

"Thanks, Dawson! You are the best talaga!" I praised cheerfully.

Huminto na ang sasakyan sa harapan ng academy kaya lumingon siya sa akin at tumitig. Nagtaka naman ako dahil napakaseryoso ng mukha niya.

"Why? Is there something you want to tell me?" I asked.

"Wala, sige na," he shook his head. "Pumasok kana."

"Sure ka?"

"I am,"

I shrugged, "Okay! Thanks for driving me, Dawson!" I said and gingerly disembarked the car.

I waved at him for the last time before I entered the building. The guard greeted me, and I greeted him back. Dumiretso agad ako sa kitchen lab at doon na kami palagi pinapadiretso ng instructor namin.

Many hours later, our class ended with me being lively. May bitbit na naman akong box na may laman na pagkain. May major activity kasing pinagagawa ang instructor namin.

Our instructor made us sell the cupcakes we made. Then, we had to get the buyer's feedback. I'm with my friends, Shea and Ivy, making our way out of the academy with the box of cupcakes in our hands.

"May pogi!" Ivy chirped.

"Saan?!" Mabilis na lumingon si Shea.

Bumungisngis ako't lumingon din. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makitang si Dwight 'yon. He was leaning on a familiar Lexus with his hand in the pocket of his black chinos. When our eyes met, his poker face immediately brightened.

"Girls, I have to go..." I looked away and spun to my friends. "Nandyan na sundo ko,"

"Saan? Hindi ko makita ang hottie bodyguard mo?" Ivy asked confusingly.

"Dawson will not fetch me today,"

"Then, who's your sundo?"

I tilted my head and pointed to Dwight, who looked like a magazine cover model in his build. "That guy is my sundo," I answered.

They both gasped.

"What?! Sino 'yon? Ang gwapo, Rashaiah!"

I smiled proudly, "He's my boyfriend."

"Seriously?! The face card, grabe! Hindi ko alam kung sino ang mas lucky sa inyo, was it you or him?" Shea said, thinking. "But I'll say both!" she giggled.

I giggled as well before I beso both of their cheeks. Naglakad na ako palapit sa napakagwapong lalaking naghihintay sa akin. Mabilis na nanuot sa ilong ko ang mabango niyang amoy.

Dwight caged my waist and pulled me closer. The way he grabbed my waist sent millions of butterflies to my stomach. I felt him squeeze my waist when I tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hi, Dwight!" I started.

"Hi, how's your day at class?" he asked as he roamed his eyes on my face.

"I had fun," I smiled at him. "Where's your other car? The Lamborghini?"

Dwight opened the door of his car for me.

"At home," he answered shortly.

I gingerly embark inside his Lexus. I caught his hand on my head, securing me from potentially bumping into the roof since his car was a bit low. Kinikilig akong naupo sa loob nang sasakyan at pinanood siyang maglakad sa kabilang gilid. I buckled the seatbelt and rested the box of cupcakes on my lap.

I was smiling from ear to ear, but my smile faded. My eyes widened when Dwight took something from the back seat, and a bouquet of pink tulips blurred my sight.

I turned to him with my lips parted. "You bought me a flower?"

"Yes, I know you love tulips..."

"Yes! Tulips are my favorite flower!" I couldn't help but accept the flower and smell it. "Ang bango!" I giggled.

He raised his hand to my face and removed some stray hairs. I stared at him. A smile slowly spread across his face as he roamed his eyes on my face.

"I'm glad you like it," he said gently.

"Thank you, Dwight!" I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek again.

My eyes laid on the flower again and noticed the pink heart-shaped paper on the back, so I pulled it out. I looked at Dwight, staring at me in silence.

"It's a handwritten letter," he spoke.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Really?! I'm going to read this!"

He only nodded with a small smile on his face. Nagsimula nang magmaneho paalis si Dwight at habang nagmamaneho siya, tahimik kong binabasa ang nakasulat sa papel.

Dear Rashaiah,

A perfect person doesn't exist, but for me, you're perfect. You are my kind of perfect.

It may sound cliché, but I love every little things about you. Thinking about you always makes me smile.

Always remember you are beyond beautiful.

I'm in love with you, Rashaiah.

Love, 

Dwight

My eyes clouded with tears when I read his message for me. It was short, but the fact that it was written by him, Dwight made another pogi points right in my heart.

I met Dwight's gaze when he reached for my hand and clasped our hands together. He leaned forward and kissed me on the side of my head. I felt him squeeze our hands together.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

"I am beyond okay," I answered, squeezing his hand. "Thank you,"

"Good. Tell me if you are hungry or thirsty so I can pull over, alright?"

I nodded, "Opo,"

My heart pounded faster when he kissed the back of my hand where my semicolon tattoo was located.

When we reached our destination, Dwight opened the car door for me. He then grabbed my hand the moment I made it outside. I looked up at him and noticed how serious he was.

Suddenly, Dwight Altamirano looked jittery as we made our way to our stop. Dwight helped me open the gate, and when we entered the peaceful place, the feeling of longing and heaviness rushed into my heart.

"Momsi..." I said, and slowly put down the basket of flowers we bought on the way here beside her picture.

Dwight was about to let go of my hand, perhaps to give me room to talk to Momsi, but I tightened his hold. I saw Dwight looking at me with his intense gaze.

"Stay," I demanded weakly. "I want to introduce you to Momsi."

His eyes softened upon hearing my plea. Dwight kissed the side of my head, nodding in understanding. Dwight and I prayed for her soul first before I introduced him to Momsi with a wide smile on my face.

"He's a good man, Momsi. I hope you like him, too, as much as I like him..." I confessed.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Dwight at parehong ngumiti sa isa't-isa.

"Hello, Ma'am." Dwight started. His voice was so gentle, that I wanted to kiss him. "My name is Dwight Altamirano. I'm your daughter's boyfriend po..."

I gasped. "Anong boyfriend? Manliligaw pa lang!"

He cocks an eyebrow, but I see the smile he tries to bite back. He licked his upper lips before looking away and stared at my mother's tomb.

"I'm sincerely courting your daughter, Mrs. Morrison. I am her suitor for now, but eventually, I will be your daughter's first boyfriend."

I bit the inside of my cheeks upon hearing what he just said to Momsi. Actually, I'm only calling him a suitor, but the truth was, half of me already claimed that Dwight Altamirano was already my boyfriend.

Hindi ko lang alam kung paano sasabihin sa kaniya na boyfriend ko na siya't girlfriend niya na ako. Maybe I have to ask ate Savannah another tip for this situation as this relationship and dating were new to me.

"I believe that promises are meant to be broken, so I won't promise that I will not hurt your daughter nor make her cry. Instead, I will try my best, and I will declare that I won't make her cry unless it is because of happiness. I will protect her and make her comfortable in every situation.

I will make her feel loved every second of our lives together. I will take care of her and treat her like a princess because she is indeed a princess to me."

Mabilis na namasa ang gilid ng mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. My heart skipped a beat when his head cocked in my direction. He kissed me on the forehead and pulled me against his body.

"I'm asking for your guidance for our relationship, Mrs. Morrison," I was hearing the beating of my own freaking heart. "I will love your daughter until my last breath, that's for sure."

My lips trembled when he said those words while staring at me. I didn't waste time, and I locked my arms around his waist and pressed myself to him, feeling the comfort and warmth of his body. A heartwarming tear dropped from my eyes. 

"I'm in love with you, Rashaiah..." I heard him whisper while his lips were on my head.

Dwight stayed with me the whole time I was talking to Momsi. Two hours later, we are now heading home. Dwight didn't want to go to our house empty-handed, so we made a quick stop in Zuriel lés arómes to order food.

I could feel Dwight's nervousness as we reached our house. His reaction was valid since he was meeting my family for the first time. Maganda na rin na ipakilala ko na si Dwight sa kanila para isang tao na lang ang iisipin ko, namin... si Dustin. I don't know how to tell him.

Aso't pusa kami ni Dwight noon at alam 'yon ni Dustin.

Kasal na rin naman si Dustin at ilang buwan na ang lumipas simula noong umamin siya sa akin. He and I already moved on from what happened. But how can I tell him that his brother and I have a relationship? That would be awkward.

And it kinda looks like I hit both of them, but I end up with the older Altamirano. Damn it.

I don't think I am ready to tell him about his older brother and me canoodling behind his back.

"Anong buong pangalan mo?" Maangas na tanong ni Popsi pagkaupo na pagkaupo namin ni Dwight sa living room.

The oxygen in the room thinned. I swallowed and glanced at Dwight, trying to keep my heart from beating abnormally.

"I'm Architect Dwight Altamirano, Sir," Dwight politely introduced himself to my father.

"Altamirano na naman?!" Popsi exclaimed, and I quickly coughed.

"Popsi?!" I chastised.

Naningkit lang ang mga mata niya at hindi ako pinansin. Dwight instantly seems rattled by my father's reaction.

"Aba, ayos! Patay na patay talaga kayo sa lahi namin, ano? Una si Dustin na masaya akong kasal na... pero dumating ka naman," Popsi said as if he was already fed up with the Altamiranos.

I pressed my lips together and squeezed Dwight's hand to comfort him. He remained silent and squeezed my hand back, which made me sigh in relief.

"Popsi, please, don't be like that," I requested gently.

His lips parted for a grim line before he sighed. His face became more serious.

"Fine. For the sake of my lovely princess here, I'm going to be easy on you," Popsi said in his controlled but authoritative voice.

Dwight remained unspoken, waiting for my father to drop his questions.

"Why do you love my daughter?"

Dwight licked his bottom lip before answering.

"I am sincerely and truly in love with your daughter, Sir. Rashaiah is a wonderful woman, and she's everything to me. I won't deny that your daughter has the most ethereal and beyond beautiful face, but aside from her physical features, I genuinely enjoy spending time with her..."

I tilted my head to the side and met Dwight's sunset gaze. My heart skipped a beat when his lips curved a subtle smile for me to see.

"I love everything about her, even the little things. She's the reason behind my smiles and the happiness in my heart. Since I met your daughter, my life has become better,"

I swallowed hard, and the corner of my eyes welled up. My heartbeat doubled, and I was hearing the beating of my own freaking heart.

"Talaga lang, 'a?" Robinhood Morrison crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you aware that Rara can be childish sometimes? Sobrang ganda ng anak ko pero minsan childish pa rin,"

My eyes widened and I held back a snarl upon hearing what Popsi responded to Dwight. Grabe 'tong si Popsi, laglagan ba?!

"Actually, Sir, I am aware that she was a bit childish because she works at an early age. Iba ang kinalakihan niya, hindi siya nakapaglaro o lumaki na katulad ng mga ibang bata na ka-edad niya noon.

But I have strong patience. Therefore, I can handle her childishness... and I don't find anything wrong with being childish as I know she was only healing her inner child," Dwight answered precisely.

Popsi arched a brow while looking at him.

"You still love her even though she's spoiled?"

Dwight squeezed my hand as he nodded his head.

"Yes, Sir... but I don't think she's spoiled for wanting something she worked hard for. I believe that even though she is spoiled, she deserves to get whatever she likes since she works hard for it."

Parang may humaplos sa puso ko nang marinig ang sagot niya. Kung wala lang si Popsi rito, paniguradong sinunggaban ko na nang halik ang labi ni Dwight.

"Is that all, Popsi?" I butted in.

He glanced at me, and to my dismay, he shook his head.

"Hindi pa ako tapos, prinsesa ko. Medyo marami-rami 'to at nagpadala rin sa akin ng mga tanong ang mga kapatid mo,"

Napasentido na lang ako.

"Itong tanong na ito ay galing sa anak kong si Rere. Nasa Belgium siya ngayon at hindi makatawag dahil nasa eroplano."

I shook my head upon hearing what my father said.

"Kung hihingi ng pera itong prinsesa ko sa 'yo, sabihin na natin na higit isang milyon pang shopping. Bibigay mo ba? Kaya mo bang buhayin ang anak ko?"

"Roro?! Seriously? What kind of question is that?" I protested.

"A question that your suitor will answer, prinsesa ko," Popsi retorts.

I apologetically looked at Dwight. He wasn't looking at me as he wasn't avoiding eye contact with Popsi.

"Sir, I'm not bragging, but I do have a job—a stable job. I'm a licensed architect, and I have my own company. Aside from my architecture firm, I also have an automotive business, and I also do car rentals. I have money to provide your daughter with everything she wants. She doesn't have to lift a finger because I will give anything and everything to her..."

Dwight answered every question straightforwardly. I'm so proud of him. Hindi ko makita at maramdaman ang kaba na nararamdaman niya kanina.

I blinked when I spotted a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of Popsi's mouth, but it quickly faded. "Sige na, sige na, pumapayag na ako sa inyong dalawa."

I quickly stood up and ran towards his direction, and embraced him tightly.

"Thank you, Roro! You are the best father in the world!" I uttered cheerfully.

I felt him hugging me back before we let go of each other. Bumalik ako sa tabi ni Dwight na nakatingin sa akin. I smiled widely at him, wanting to embrace him, too, but Popsi was here, so I behavely sat back beside him.

"Dwight, pumapayag na akong ligawan mo ang prinsesa namin."

I reached for Dwight's hand, making him look at me. His lips automatically formed a subtle smile.

"Anyway, on your next visit, bring me your resume, police clearance, NBI clearance, Cenomar, TOR, Certificate of good morals, NSO, SSS number, and recommendation letter from someone who will prove that you are a good citizen. I need those files this week."

My lips parted as my cheeks burned in embarrassment and disbelief.

"Popsi , I thought okay na po?! Manliligaw po si Dwight sa akin, hindi mag-aapply ng trabaho!"

Napakamot si Popsi sa batok, "Requirements lang, nak,"

I released an aggravated sigh. Napahilot ako sa ulo at biglang sumakit ang ulo ko sa mga tanong ni Popsi. Hindi naman ako ang tinatanong pero pakiramdam ko, ako ang na stress at napagod. Naaawa na ako't pakiramdam ko, aping-api na ni Popsi si Dwight.

"Tandaan mo 'to, Dwight, wala akong pakealam kahit anak ka man ng bise-presidente ng Pilipinas, the moment my daughter get hurt because of you and if you lay a finger on my daughter... I promise to end your entire generation. Hindi ako nagbibiro."

I wanted to cry in embarrassment when Popsi suddenly pulled out a gun from the back of his pocket and showed it to Dwight as if threatening him to use the gun on him if he hurt me. Dwight's grip on my hand strengthened.

"Popsi, stop and bring the gun down," I admonished.

"Teka lang, sumagot ka muna, Dwight," paninindak pa lalo niya.

"Yes, Sir..." Dwight didn't stammer, but his face pulled off some blanches away.

"Mabuti naman! Dahil subukan mo lang paiyakin 'tong prinsesa ko, magkakaroon kana ng mugshot sa buong Pilipinas!" Mariin na ani Popsi.

My nose flared at his answer. I stood up and pulled Dwight with force. "Let's go, Dwight. We are finished," I said.

"Teka lang," Mabilis kaming pinigilan ni Popsi. "Saan kayo pupunta? Dito na kayo kumain ng hapunan. Gigisain pa kita," pagbibiro ni Popsi dahil nakangisi na ito.

"Popsi, stop it," I complained. "It's not funny anymore."

Naging maamo ang mukha ni Popsi nang makitang seryoso na talaga ako. Napakamot siya sa batok at itinago muli ang baril.

"Binibiro ko lang, nak. Halina't kumain na tayo. Mukhang masarap pa naman ang suhol este bitbit nitong manliligaw mo." 

I just rolled my eyes. Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag nang iwan kami ni Popsi sa living room.

Mabilis kong niyakap si Dwight habang nakasandal ang mukha sa dibdib niya. I felt his hand on my chin, tugging me up, so he can see my face. His eyes were calm and gentle.

"I'm sorry about my dad," I muttered, feeling guilty. "He's just overprotective about me."

Dwight's arms snaked around my waist. He licked his lower lip and stared at me softly.

"I know. I don't mind him asking me questions,"

I pouted, "He threatened you with a gun..."

"Am I threatened? Well, a bit. Am I giving up on you? No, never." He assured me before I felt his lips on my forehead. "No one can stop us now."

I tilted my head up, my chin leaning on his hard chest. "Mahal mo talaga ako?"

"Yes, mahal na mahal kita, Rashaiah..."

I giggled when he puckered his lips and bent down, capturing my lips for a quick kiss. Halos habulin ko pa ang labi niya nang ilayo niya na ang labi sa akin. Ugh, bitin! Kapag talaga ako natuto humalik, hindi ko titigilan ang labi ni Dwight!

"Mga bata, tama na 'yan! Kakain na tayo!"

Mabilis kaming lumayo sa isa't-isa ni Dwight nang marinig ang sigaw ni Popsi at nagpanggap na parang walang nangyari.

:)